Brush fire threatened highlands homes Tuesday night

A brush fire tore through a greenbelt in the Issaquah Highlands last night and threatened several homes before firefighters extinguished the blaze.

Eastside Fire & Rescue crews responded to fire near Northeast Park Drive and Northeast Katsura Court around 8:40 p.m. Authorities said the fire encompassed a 100-foot-by-35-foot area comprised of trees and heavy brush.

Responders had received multiple reports of a growing fire in a greenbelt with a steep ravine. Authorities said the blaze threatened several homes and moved toward residences.

Firefighters took steps to ensure residences were not in danger. EFR’s specialized Wildland Team was called to help put out the fire. By the time additional crews arrived at the scene, the fire had been extinguished.

Emergency crews work to contain a brush fire in the Issaquah Highlands. — Tyler MacLeod

But record temperatures, steep terrain and the fire’s location presented a challenge for firefighters. Crews had to carry equipment down a steep slope to reach the blaze.

Firefighters spent several hours conducting follow-up operations at the site before the job was completed around 2:00 a.m. today.

Crews will continue to watch the area to ensure the fire does not reignite.

The fire damaged no property. A firefighter suffered a minor muscle strain battling the blaze.